As the days gets colder, one color I am loving for work wear is crisp ivory or cream (also dubbed "winter white"). Unfortunately, that love is more wishful thinking, as I've been unable to find any suitable pieces. I would love a petite-friendly cozy crewneck sweater (no super long sleeves and torso) and fitted wool blazer in ivory - if anyone has any recommendations, I'd love to hear it. I seriously considered this option from H&M, but the mediocre fabric quality and long length served as deterrents.

Until that ideal blazer can be found, this stark white jacket is the closest thing I have. At the risk of being too festive too soon, I wore it with tomato red pants and finished the look with brown and gold accessories.
There were a few adjustments made for this outfit. This gold chain necklace is an old favorite find from Savers thrift store, but the original length is very short, almost like a choker...
For wearing under a blazer, I find that longer necklaces have a more lengthening effect. Using a smaller chain necklace in the same color as the original one, I made a little "extender." This is an easy and temporary way to change up the look of your shorter necklaces.
The pants in this post also underwent some DIY adjustments. I originally thought they fit well off-the-rack, then reviewed some photos (the camera doesn't lie). The legs were baggy throughout, and the ankle openings could probably fit two ankles each. The "After" difference is subtle, but in my opinion looks more streamlined. I didn't want tight hot pants, so just slimmed and tapered the legs ever so slightly.
I put off alterations for the longest time due to the cuffs, which slightly complicated things. Here is a quick step-by-step of the process for anyone interested in doing this at home:

1. If your pants have cuffs: Using tiny scissors or a seam ripper, detach (pardon the spelling error below) the cuff from the seam of the pant leg that you plan on taking-in.

2. While pants are inside-out, put them on and mark along the seams with fabric chalk how much you want to take in. Keeping pants inside-out, stitch along this line all the way down to the leg opening.

3. You will need to take-in the cuff separately, just the right amount so it still fits over the newly-slimmed pant leg.

4. Flip the pants rightside-out and hand-stitch the cuff back onto the pant leg.

These embossed Sue heels, along with the black leather Sondra bootie, are now 30% or more off. I'm a bootie lover and tried on the Sondra's in-store - the leather is buttery soft and the heel height is comfortable, but the top opening may be wide for those with scrawny ankles. For sizing reference, I usually wear between 5 and 5.5, and took a 5 in these.

83 comments:

I'm not sure if you're already aware of this issue, but I'd like to bring it to your attention if you are not.

I recently came across some pictures of you that were posted on an internet forum in China. The gist of it is that the OP posted some photos from your blog as well as some photos from other bloggers such as Wendy's lookbook and Chriselle Lim.

There were 2 things that troubled me about this: one, that the Chinese forum added its watermark to your images, and two, that there is a number of commenters on that forum who are giving absolutely unwarranted and inappropriate criticisms of your appearance, e.g. your height, your body proportions, and the shape of your legs, which I feel is completely out of line.

I think it's pretty obvious that you did not give your permission for these images to be transported elsewhere, so I am enclosing the url below if you'd like to take a look for yourself.

Hey, thanks for posting this for Jean! I went to the site and found out they have a lot of my photos there as well, though I'm not sure if I should even bother contacting the admins. I can't read Chinese. haha

Hi there - thank you for your concern and for caring enough to bring it to my attention. I can read Chinese and have been aware of these forums. I'm not sure what it is and I'll never understand it - but sometimes it seems with Asian cultures it's more acceptable to encourage picking on others' physical traits and flaws. The use of copyrighted images is also an issue, but I've learned to just pick my battles, ignore the negatives, and focus time and energy on the important things : )

Well it's not all bad - mostly it's just people translating her posts into Chinese for others to read... there'll always be detractors! Who cares anyway :) Jean I think you have amazing dress sense - you've made me go to my tailor a lot more often this year (though still not courageous enough to go to my sewing machine more often too) and I thank you for that :)

I really love your blog. Your DIYs and outfits are so amazing. In fact, the first time I saw your post was in the above forum last year, which was transported by another Chinese girl living abroad.

Most of people in China cannot reach Youtube,facebook,twitter or even blogger.com. To share some ideas or style tips, some people will transport or translate the post of blogger to these public forums. For some reason, may be language or just culture, they seldom asked for permission before transport. However, most "translated post" DO show the original link. That's the reason I can find your blog.I don't mean that the "translation" is right. But, to some extend, it makes your post reachable to more Asian girl.

Btw, I would like to know which side of your trousers was slimmed? In or out? Thanks so much.

Hi Susanlyt - thank you for your comment. I definitely see that many in those forums have positive intentions and only want to share.

As for the pants, I'll copy in a response from below to Lisa : ) "Where you take it in depends on how much fabric you're working with. If it's substantial, you'd probably need to do both inseam and outer seam to keep the pants balanced. I just did less than an inch, so I did outer seam only for ease. Good luck!"

another great outfit, jean! so very clean and crisp. i'm really thinking of getting a jacket like yours. it seems so versatile from looking at all the posts you've worn it in. also, i'll have to check out some of coach's shoes. i have a few of them and really like how comfy they are. thanks for letting us know!

how neat - i like the necklace extension super easy fix. as for the pants they fit amazingly! i went to loft and tried on 30 pairs of pants and none of them fit .. more poor legs are just in between petite and regular sizing. wish i had your nifty alteration skills!

wow, love the modifications - again, I need to learn some sewing skills as well!

You too? regarding the ivory cream sweater? I've been trying to find a nice non boxy one that's soft and fits well forever with no luck. I've also been trying to find a nice cardigan. I tend to gravitate towards that color in general :) but haven't been finding any staples yet, sadly. I find that they tend to be too sheer or boxy, or too short, for a lot of the ivory items that catch my eye. Oh well... still looking :)

I did notice how well your pants fitted you in the 1st photo! I just thought you were lucky until I scrolled down to your tutorial. I need to bookmark this post so I can do the same to my pants when I'm sewing able & ready.

Impeccable colour choice here as always. I love those red pants! I've been a bit wary of wearing stark white in the fall/winter (that old no white after labour day rule still haunts me, I suppose) but I was curious what you thought of it? Is it okay to wear bright white in especially the winter? I have a bright bleach white blazer that is begging to be worn but I often shy away from it!

Hi, Jean!I'm always grateful for your alteration tips. Some quick questions: did you take these in along the inseam or the outer seam? And from what point did you begin slimming?Thanks so much, and greetings from Chicago!- Lisa

Hi Lisa! I hope Chicago is treating you well! It was a bit of trial and error for me. I started slimming at the upper hip and then the hips started to pull (most evident in the pockets pulling), so I undid that and re-started lower down the leg, near the upper thighs. Where you take it in depends on how much fabric you're working with. If it's substantial, you'd probabyl need to do inseam and outer seam to keep the pants balanced. I just did less than an inch, so I did outer seam only for ease. Good luck!

Wow, great alteration! Looks so much better now! Beautiful pairing as well!!!As always I love your step-by-step legend. You probably did a lot of pants alteration before and I don't know if you ever recognized what may happen if you remove the whole amount of material from just one side? Here's just a little handy hint slimming pants: If there's a lot of material to take off you'll get a better fitting result removing it from both sides (inner and outer seam) of the leg so it doesn't lose its 'balance'. But in this special case (cuffs) I'd chosen the same method ; )Have a great week!<3 Corinna

i'm always so impressed with how you tackle alteration projects and make it look so easy! i had a quick technical question--do you end up cutting the excess material after you sew your slimmer line or do you leave the original hem?

Hi Mary! I'm going to paste in an answer from below: it depends. If it's an inch or less of excess fabric and if the shape isn't really fitted (the more fitted it is, the more of a difference that extra bulk will make), I will leave in the seams. If it's more than that I will trim it and use a zig zag fabric to try and lock in some of the raw edges, but that may or may not be effective at all and the ends can end up unraveling.

I know you from the tianya blog which mentioned before.I hope you know that many people in that forum appreciate your look a lot although some may say something badly. But everyone has different tastes, right?Hope you don't mind their comments and continue your blog BTW I have to say now I am your big fun. Your looks are just amazing!

Hi Jean! I've been a fan for the past year and have always admired how you always look put together and well-appointed.

Just a few quick questions re how you manage your commute, as I find that the commute itself is a big hurdle for women to get over in their quest to always looking great. I find that in between seeking comfort while walking, sweating, and carrying the whole world in your purse, sometimes fashion takes a backseat, and I want to be able to balance that.

1. Do you wear heels throughout the day? Even during the commute to and from work? Or do you carry a spare pair of flats? What height of heel do you find is most comfortable for you to wear throughout the commute and/or workday?2. How do you fit everything into your purse? I assume that you carry essentials like an umbrella or a bottle of water with you?

Thanks for continuing to share with us your experiences! It's been a great help, and your foray into investment dressing is very much appreciated. :)

Hi Coco - thanks so much for your comment. I almost always commute in flats and have been on the lookout for professional looking yet "walkable" shoes. Currently I rotate between some old Cole Haan flats with Nike air cushioning, black rainboots, Ferragamo vara low pumps, Stuart Weitzman tall black boots, and tory burch patent (wears better than regular leather) flats. I don't carry water or anything more than what I really need, to keep the purse weight down. It can get very heavy and sometimes I do consider a functional backpack...but haven't resorted to that yet! I usually have just a wallet, small makeup bag, some food, and a laptop. If you like to bring a lot of stuff, nylon totes like Longchamp bags are great at accommodating that without adding extra weight.

Thanks for your reply, Jean! I do have a number of Longchamp Le Pliage bags lying around, but I hesitate to carry them as they've become so mainstream where I live. I have to do a lot of commuting throughout each day, so I may to reconsider that. :)

Hi jean, you look beautiful as always. I recently tried a hm blazer that came in black and cream that I thought to be more flattering than the option you looked at and posted on instagam. I bought it in black, size 4 and did not need any alterations ( although at 5'2 I am a little taller than you). May be worth checking out - product number 82-3448Www.Hm.com/gb/product/04455?article=04455-B

HI Jean,I found this site by accident. Like you, I am 5 ft tall and 93 lbs. Though a lot older than you (I am 58) I have been this size since the first day of high shool. I get so frustrated looking for clothes, that every once in awhile, I just Google "size 00' to see what comes up - and found your blog. I just have to say, I love your style (very close to mine - classic, feminine, sylish) and I love your fearless 'alterations', you practical mixing of new and thrifted, and out of the box ideas. Girls shoes? I never knew the sizing could work. I bought the Stuart Weitzman boots you featured and LOVE them - and get many compliments, and they were only $75! It is just nice to come here to an environment where no one is telling you 'to put some meat on your bones', that I am lucky 'bcause all the great clothes out there are for small people'.. :) No one but the folks here could understand how much I miss Petite Sophisticate (if they are old enough).. They went out of business before all this vanity sizing really took hold. But, theres a subject for another day! But like I've said, I been at this for a long time. I also sew (and knit & crochet). One retailer that you don't mention is New York & Company, which I really USED to have good luck with, but their 0's are now too big and waiting for them to get on the 00 and XXS bandwagon. Fingers crossed. Anyways, sorry to ramble.. just feels I'm home - fashion/size-wise. By the way, I do work full-time in corporate america, so that's another fashion challenge...

Sue - thanks so much for your comment. The same issues affect us regardless of age and style, so I totally feel ya! If you liked the girls Stuart Weitzman boots, I wonder what you'd think of the womens version. I think i got spoiled by the womens first (purchased during an end of season sale) and they are buttery soft and fit my narrow legs better than any boot I've tried. In comparison, the kids version felt short but that may be because of my previously formed expectations! I am so glad they ended up working out for you.

Very pretty Jean! I love how you made those pants work for you - I just had to return a pair of J.crew cafe capris I got for a steal because I could not figure out how to make them flatter me (i.e. not look like 80s mom pants). maybe I did not have to return them!

As for a cozy sweater that isn't too long, I suggest trying Uniqlo! I love my merino uniqlo crewnecks that i picked up in Japan.Like this onehttp://www.uniqlo.com/us/store/made-for-all/women-cashmere-crew-neck-sweater-long-sleeve/069213-00-004http://www.uniqlo.com/us/store/made-for-all/women-efm-round-neck-sweater/073130-22They have suspended online shopping because of the hurricane but perhaps it might be worth trying out. I definitely am going to order some.

Thank you for the link to the fabulous Coach shoes. I am really having trouble and debating which of the chunky heels to invest in this season. I love these by Coach as they are timeless, but I am also coveting the Etta Cap-toe chunky heel in the nude/black combo from JCrew. Then, of course, there is the simple and reliable AT pump (which I know will fit and feel properly)...ahh the dilemma!

Ah, tough choices Mary-Irene! The J.crew ones are so pretty, and these are such a versatile color. For more narrow feet though (not sure if you have them), the AT's are unbeatable in comfort in my humble opinion.

Hi Jean! I never leave comments but im checking on fhe blog everyday! And these days I was checking out bananarepublic.com for a white dress (im brazilian and in Brazil we dress in white at NYE to bring peace in the new year) and i found a few options: ponte knit white dressss and pencil skirts. I didnt gonto the store to try it out (try the fit and check the fabric) but when I saw it online it reminded me of you, since you were on the search for a ponte knit white dress. You look gorgeous as always! xoxo Cecilia S.

Thank you for sharing! I am definitely still interested in a ponte dress to replace the wrinkle prone cotton one I have. Hope you'll end up finding what you need for NYE - sounds beautiful to wear white on that night to bring in peace for the new year.

I'm starting a summer internship at a banking/finance corporation this november and have been unsure on what would be appropriate to wear to work.However, upon discover your blog I have become most inspired by your style and have found your posts extremely helpful.I love you manage to remain chic yet polished at the same time, further I love how you are a positive role model for young girls ( such as me!) hoping to break into the finance field =D

Hi Jean! I'm not sure if you saw my other comment, but I've been wondering what size you wore for the blue gingham shirt from J Crew. I want to take advantage of the 25% off and free shipping deal. I'm about the same build as you (2 inches taller). What size did you get for your boys gingham shirt? How does it fit? I'm a similar build as you and I could either get a XXS at JCrew or the boys gingham in a 12 or 14 (technically the girls section but the name of the shirt has boys in it). I'm afraid that if I get the size 12, the arms might be too short...however, the 14 might be too bulky. Which did you get? If you see this and have time to answer, that would be great! Thanks!

Hi there - sorry for the late response! Hope you see this before the sale is over - I got a size 10 and the fit is very boxy, but I wear it. Here's the post showing some photos of the shirt lying flat http://www.extrapetite.com/2012/01/style-in-suitcase-part-1-gingham-and.html

Hi Jean--great outfit! If you can find the banana republic in a 0 petite contrast trim 1 button blazer (sold out online) in stores--that's a great option for a winter white blazer. Also--have you ever tried white house black market? Try a size 00---they have a few great options for winter white jackets right now....

Thank you so much for explaining how you slimmed your slacks! Seems much more simple than I expected. When you do this for pencil skirts, do you cut the material, or do you leave it sewn in the event you need to let the fabric out? I am asking b/c I am hoping to attempt to slim some skirts for work...

Btw, I am sort of glad you were 'blocked' by our fellow fashion blogger... she recently posted a picture of a brown ferragamo reversible belt -- it gave me a good chuckle, like an inside joke for some reason :) Janie.

Hi Janie! I should explain that part better...but it depends. If it's an inch or less of excess fabric and if the shape isn't really fitted (the more fitted it is, the more of a difference that extra bulk will make), I will leave in the seams. If it's more than that I will trim it and use a zig zag fabric to try and lock in some of the raw edges, but that may or may not be effective at all and the ends can end up unraveling.

I stumbled upon your blog because I was Googling for petite sized professional suits. Love your blog! For this particular entry, I have to ask you about your hair! Lol. It looks great. It looks shiny and silky and healthy. I was wondering what hair products you use. Did you use a curling iron for the ends of your hair for this shot? What kind of shampoo/hair spray/mousse/etc. do you use?I'm also asian. I've got super fine hair and I can't seem to do much with it.

About the Coach Sue Heels...I have been looking for shoes like these but I haven't been able to find a review on them online. How do you rate them? Can they withstand standing for many hours or are they hard to walk in? Or are they just perfect? Let me know your thoughts because I'd love to catch them while they are on sale. Thanks for posting!

I just found your blog and it is AMAZING! I have been frustrated for years not being able to find anything that fits and going to tailors and still not being happy with the results. Would you consider doing a feature where readers send you a picture and you suggest ways that a garment could be tailored?

I just found your blog and it is AMAZING! I have been frustrated for years not being able to find anything that fits and going to tailors and still not being happy with the results. Would you consider doing a feature where readers send you a picture and you suggest ways that a garment could be tailored?

Hi Jean, I stumbled upon your blog and am hooked and inspired! I definitely want to give DIY alterations a try, but considering how I hardly know how to sew or work a sewing machine, I should probably leave the advanced stuff to tailors, to start with, anyway.

Could you do a post on the essential tools necessary when you're just starting off doing your own alterations?

Ah, winter white. I picked up a cream wool blazer from the thrift shop a couple years ago with the intention of eventually altering it using one of your tutorials ... and then never got around to it ... but this post makes me think that maybe this is the winter I do it?

What material is your bright white blazer? And how attached to it are you? If you're feeling daring, you might try dipping it in tea or coffee (Google 'tea dye') to take the bright edge off it. I know I tea dyed something in the past, think it was lace, and it gave the lace a bit of a cream patina. Great for making stuff look vintage-esque, and you could always water down the mix if you just want a faint hue. But if your blazer is a blended natural/synthetic, you might want to look into how blended it is since synthetic doesn't take the tea dyeing. It could either mute the effect (probably what you want), or create odd ... uh ... patterns ... which might be a bit more runway daring than work appropriate?

Hi Jean I adore your blog! It's been so very helpful! I've taken your tips on getting the fit right and took a whole bunch of my clothes to get them altered. I had no idea what a difference these little changes could do and realised I've just allowed myself to wear oversized clothes all the time (especially with sleeves much too large and too long)! Another thing I love is how well put together you are, even your make-up is lovely- your lip colour choices are always so perfect! I hope you could divert a little and one day make a post on your make-up :)